Building Service Experts
Our Leadership
Steve Knowles
CEO
Steve is a highly accomplished executive with over 15 years of CEO experience known for rapidly growing PE-backed, blue- and white-collar service-based companies and nurturing strong corporate cultures. He led EN Engineering as CEO, doubling their revenue from $128 to $260M during his tenure and prior to that, served as CEO of Wood Group Mustang, achieving remarkable growth from $250M to $1.8B. Steve holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and Advanced Management from Harvard and currently serves as an Independent Board Member of Integra Testing Services, a Commercial HVAC Testing and Balancing business (not affiliated with NexCore).
Brian Nienstedt
Chief Development Officer
As CDO, Brian leads the sourcing, underwriting, and closing of NexCore’s acquisition activities. He possesses over fifteen years of capital markets experience, including leadership roles as an investment banker, sponsor finance lender and corporate development professional. Prior to joining NexCore, Brian was the Vice President of Corporate Development at Sweeping Corporation of America, Inc., a private equity backed environmental services company, where he led a team that closed and integrated thirty-three acquisitions. Brian earned his B.A. in Economics from Villanova University and an MBA from DePaul University.
Albert Rollins
Chief Human Resources Officer
As CHRO, Al leads NexCore’s strategic employee initiatives including employee engagement, talent acquisition, total compensation, health and safety and oversees the NexCore Academy which focuses on career development and leadership training. Al possesses more than twenty-five years of executive HR leadership experience with a focus on scalable programs in support of acquisition diligence and integration. Prior to joining NexCore, Al was CHRO for an agriculture chemicals company and SVP, Human Resources at a leading commercial printing and packaging company where he participated in more than twenty acquisition integrations. Al earned his B.S in Industrial Management and an MBA from the University of Akron.
Al Rattacasa
Chief Financial Officer - Interim
Al is a highly-accomplished operational finance executive with over a decade of C-suite leadership experience across various privately held and private equity-backed organizations, including multi-state/multi-site field services, retail and wholesale, and healthcare. After beginning his career on a private wealth advisory team at Merrill Lynch, which was focused solely on small and mid-sized businesses, Al took those skills and experiences to numerous organizations and has been driving professionalization, efficiency, and scalability for nearly twenty years. Before joining NexCore, Al successfully built and led high-performance finance teams across multiple private equity portfolios, resulting in significant financial outperformance and enhancement. He holds two degrees from Wake Forest University and completed an executive management course at the Calloway School of Business and Accountancy. Outside of professional commitments, Al enjoys spending time outdoors in the Lowcountry, Southwest Florida, and Italy with his wife and two young sons. His family is also actively involved in several local organizations, including the Italian-American Club of Hilton Head Island.
Jay Trivedi
Strategic Advisor to the CEO
Jay provides critical insights, guidance, and support to the CEO in navigating through complex business challenges, capitalize on growth opportunities, end-to-end strategic development, execution, optimization, fostering innovation, digital transformation, including talent acquisition to achieve the CEO's strategic priorities enabling NexCore to steer through dynamic landscapes and realize ambitious goals. Recognized for his ability to synthesize complex information, cultivate strong stakeholder relationships, and develop actionable strategies to maximize short and long-term value. With over 25 years of experience, he has successfully founded and co-founded companies in IS, Software Development, eCommerce, and Talent Acquisition industries. In addition to his education in Business Management, he is currently enrolled in the MIT Sloan School of Management: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics program and is co-authoring a book on the Symbiotic and Precise Correlation of variables that define both the Physical and Commerce Universe explained by applying principles of Quantum Mechanics. Jay can often be found at the intersection of old school wisdom and bold new actionable ideas that accelerate revenue, increase efficiencies, and strengthen market leadership.
Robert Vechiola
Vice President, Business Development
As Vice President of Business Development, Robert is responsible for evaluating new acquisitions, conducting due diligence, underwriting, and working in partnership with NexCore’s existing partner companies. He possesses over eight years of middle market sell-side and investment experience, including roles as an investment banker and private equity investor. Before joining NexCore, Robert was a Senior Associate at Concentric Equity Partners, a Chicago-based private investment firm focused on the middle market. At Concentric, Robert was responsible for originating new investment opportunities, executing investments, and supporting portfolio companies. Additionally, Robert served as a Board Member of several portfolio companies, including a residential buy-and-build HVAC and plumbing platform. Robert earned his B.S. in Finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
Kaye Nichols
Vice President, Human Resources
As Vice President of Human Resources, Kaye brings over 30 years of experience leading strategic HR initiatives, fostering a positive workplace culture, and driving talent acquisition and development. With a focus on employee engagement and deep understanding of workforce dynamics, Kaye has a proven track record of aligning HR strategies with business objectives, consistently delivering results that support organizational growth and employee well-being. Before joining NexCore, Kaye led HR Operations for large-scale distribution and manufacturing organizations. Kaye holds two professional HR certifications; SHRM-CP and PHR.
Andy Nguyen
Director of Information Systems and Integrations
As Director of Information Systems and Integrations, Andy is responsible for overseeing the implementation of payroll, accounting, and operations software systems across NexCore’s partner companies. He brings over a decade of experience in ERP implementations, system integrations, and optimizing business processes within a variety sectors. Andy has extensive experience in building ERP software applications, having led the development and integration of accounting and operational systems at companies like BuildOps and W Energy Software. Before joining NexCore, he managed large-scale ERP projects, spearheaded successful product launches, and drove client acquisition. Andy earned his B.S. in Finance and a Master’s in Accounting from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business.
Jorge Contreras
Analyst, M&A and Business Development
As Analyst of Business Development, Jorge is responsible for identifying potential acquisitions, developing criteria to assess target fit and value, performing financial valuation, identifying risks and opportunities, and contributing to financial planning and analysis. Prior to joining NexCore, Jorge was an M&A Consultant at Deloitte, where he engaged in financial due diligence projects across diverse sectors, including the hotel industry, energy sector, manufacturing, e-commerce and retail. Additionally, Jorge served as a strategic consultant at CASAI, a hospitality company based in Mexico, where he was responsible for conducting market research on investment opportunities. Jorge earned his B.A. in Accounting and Finance from Tec de Monterrey, and he had a semester exchange at the University of Mannheim.
Our Partner Leaders
Jason Patnaude
President, Alliance Group
With over 25 years in the commercial HVAC business, Jason knows what it takes to thrive in the industry. That’s exactly how he’s taken Alliance Group to its industry-leading status, serving as President for over 13 years.
Shaun Patnaude
Vice President, Alliance Group
After co-founding Alliance Group in 2010, Shaun has helped to build the company and led its efforts to expand across multiple states and to serve hundreds of customers annually.
Stephen Cassidy
President, Kennedy Mechanical
Stephen has over 30 years of commercial HVAC experience. Serving 15+ years as President, Kennedy has grown into a multi-faceted mechanical contractor specializing in HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection installation and service for commercial and residential customers under Stephen’s leadership. Stephen received his bachelor’s degree in business from Niagara University.
Darren Englert
Vice President, Kennedy Mechanical
Darren has 38+ of commercial HVAC experience. After joining Kennedy in 1988 as a technician, Darren climbed the ranks and has served as Vice President of Kennedy for over 25 years. Darren has been an integral part of Kennedy’s growth and success, helping service customers across upstate New York.
Louis Broyles
President, Sylvester & Cockrum
Louis has 38+ years of experience in the commercial HVAC space. Prior to Sylvester & Cockrum, Louis worked for York International for 14 years as a Senior Application Engineer. Louis joined Sylvester & Cockrum in 2008 as a General Manager. In 2020, Louis and his partner, Matt Berg, acquired Sylvester & Cockrum from the company’s founders and Louis serves as President of the organization. Under Louis’ leadership, Sylvester & Cockrum has grown from a single branch office to a five-branch business that spans multiple states in the Southeast.
Matt Berg
Executive Vice President and COO, Sylvester & Cockrum
Matt has 25+ years of experience in the HVAC and industrial industry. Matt started his career as a field technician and worked his way up through the ranks over time. Matt learned the trade while serving in the U.S. Air Force and he has a deep sales background that has been a contributing factor to Sylvester & Cockrum’s success. Matt joined Sylvester & Cockrum in 2008 as a Vice President and Sales Manager. In 2020, Matt and his partner, Louis Broyles, acquired the business from the company’s founders.
Dave Cloy
President, DWC Mechanical
After working in the commercial HVAC industry for 8 years, Dave decided to focus his efforts on a new venture, founding DWC Mechanical in 1995. DWC Mechanical is a commercial HVAC contractor, and in 2025, will celebrate 30 years of growth under Dave’s leadership and guidance. Dave continues to be an integral part of the DWC team by encouraging his beliefs of hard work, problem solving and an unwavering dedication to customer service. DWC Mechanical is in an industry leader in the HVAC market with a well-known and respected in presence in Western NY and Tampa Florida.